Eli Holstein Named Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week
9/17/2024 10:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—The national raves continue to roll in for Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein following his stunning performance in the Panthers' dramatic 38-34 win over rival West Virginia this past Saturday.
Holstein has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week, it was announced today by the Maxwell Football Club.
It is the latest accolade for the 6-foot-4, 225-pound redshirt freshman, who previously was recognized on the Davey O'Brien "Great 8" list and as the ACC's Quarterback and Rookie of the Week for his heroics in Pitt's win over the Mountaineers.
One of college football's top newcomers, Holstein (Zachary, La./Zachary) stood tall in his first Backyard Brawl, rallying Pitt from a 10-point deficit with touchdown drives of 75 and 77 yards in the final 3:06.
For the game, he completed 70% of his passes (21 of 30) for 301 yards and three touchdowns. He also led Pitt with 59 rushing yards, including a crucial 17-yard scramble on the Panthers' game-winning touchdown drive.
It marked the second consecutive week Holstein engineered an improbable comeback.
In Pitt's 28-27 win at Cincinnati—a game the Panthers trailed 27-6 late in the third period—Holstein threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns with an interception on 20-of-35 passing.
On the season, Holstein has completed 68% of his passes (71 of 105) for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions.
He boasts impressive national rankings in no fewer than seven categories: fourth in touchdown passes (nine), fifth in total offense per game (345.0 avg.), ninth in passing yards per game (313.0 avg.), ninth in total passing yards (939), 11th in points responsible for (54), 14th in completions per game (23.67 avg.) and 15th in points responsible for per game (18.0 avg.).
Holstein is the first Pitt freshman (true or redshirt) to pass for 300 yards in three consecutive games. He is the first Pitt quarterback regardless of class to compile three consecutive 300-yard passing games since All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny Pickett had five in a row in 2021.
Holstein has led the Panthers to their first 3-0 start since 2020. Pitt, which last opened with four consecutive wins in 2000, will host Youngstown State this Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
In addition to weekly recognition during the season, the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award is an honor given annually to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Named after Shaun Alexander, a former standout at the University of Alabama and 2005 NFL MVP with the Seattle Seahawks, this award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by these players on their respective teams throughout the season. The Alexander Award is all about championing future legends and evaluates players based on Talent, Character, Ambassador and Legend.
Eli Holstein 2024 Honors
- ACC Rookie of the Week (Kent State)
- ACC Rookie of the Week (Cincinnati)
- ACC Rookie of the Week (West Virginia)
- ACC Quarterback of the Week (West Virginia)
- Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week (West Virginia)
- Davey O'Brien Award "Great 8" (West Virginia)
